Pakistan continues to witness strong demand for overseas employment, as around 278,000 workers registered for foreign jobs during the first five months of 2026. The latest figures highlight how a significant portion of the workforce still depends on international opportunities for better earnings and to support the country’s remittance inflows, which remain a vital pillar of the economy.
According to data released by the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, low and semi-skilled workers made up the largest share of registrations. Labourers topped the list with 171,206 registrations, followed by drivers at 52,652, showing strong demand in sectors such as construction, transport, and logistics across foreign markets, particularly in the Gulf region.
The data also showed a steady number of skilled workers seeking jobs abroad, including cooks, technicians, electricians, and engineers, while professionals accounted for a comparatively smaller portion of the total workforce. Industry experts say the pace of migration has slowed somewhat in 2026, mainly due to stricter immigration policies in the United Arab Emirates and an increase in visa rejection rates, creating additional hurdles for job seekers aiming to work overseas.
